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The 2017 Pens to Lens promo I scored.

Discussion in 'Critique & Feedback' started by Eric Watkins, Jul 22, 2017.

  1. #1 Eric Watkins, Jul 22, 2017
    Yeah, I know I'm not exactly boldly going where no one has before, but hey, I'm ok with that. I am as much trying to get my mixes right as much as writing the notes.

     
  2. #2 Gharun Lacy, Jul 23, 2017
    Hi Eric
    Well....we know you have a trailer sensibility for sure and you have that structure down. The sub bass drop into the riser made me smile. I don't know if that style of music is effective for this particular ad (I would have gone for something more tender) but that's neither here or there.

    If you are going to go with the trailer structure you need to really deliver after the riser. Your piece felt a little thin after 1:15. The horn line and the choir line are fine, as is the basic harmonic progression. But it needs to be filled out. Trailer guys usually used trombones and mid strings to fill out the harmony and then stack a ton of HZ drums on top for more "vertical development". You're on your way for sure. Try transcribing and mocking up some Two Steps from Hell or Audiomachine pieces to really dig in on how they get that fat sound.

    All the best,
     
    Eric Watkins likes this.
  3. #3 Eric Watkins, Jul 23, 2017
    Hey Gharun, thank you for taking the time to listen. The style is indeed what they asked for. I can't agree enough that it isn't exactly my favorite approach to this promo. You know, I was referencing some Two Steps From Hell stuff as I mixed. I should have looked deeper and sooner and I would have realized that the orchestration is lacking there. I appreciate the advice and I will indeed try to take apart some trailer music to get better for the next round. Oh, and Audiomachine. Haven't heard of that so I will check it out. Thanks so much!
     
  4. #4 Hugh Harrer, Jul 23, 2017
    Agreeing with Gharun.

    A bit dark for kids having a great time writing and making films.
    But, hey, if it's what they wanted.

    At least it IS "triumphant" in the end.

    Hugh
     
  5. #5 Gharun Lacy, Jul 23, 2017
    Hey Eric,

    As long as they cut the check, right. Paul Dinletir is one of the composers at Audio Machine....good guy. If you are looking at TSFH make sure to listen to Thomas Bergersen stuff. He manages to sneak some traditional composition sensibilities into his trailer work.
     
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